Universal Jurisdiction for International Crimes in Asia-Pacific
We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to analyse and compare the approaches of the African Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as intergovernmental organisations, toward prosecuting international crimes (crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, and aggression) on the basis of universal jurisdiction. Decolonial, Third World Approaches to International Law, Indigenous, feminist/gender-informed or other critical approaches to this project topic are welcome.
The primary focus of this role is to develop the project design and execute the analysis in collaboration with the supervisors. Success in this role requires collaboration with a range of academics, as well as relevant civil society, international institution, and government actors to deliver a focused project with academic outputs.
The research will be supervised by Dr Emma Palmer and another Griffith University co-supervisor. It is supported by a DECRA investigating the use of universal jurisdiction to prosecute international crimes in, and concerning, the Asia-Pacific.
The intended commencement date of the scholarship is Intake 3, 2025 and can be based at either the Gold Coast or Nathan campus.
Scholarship details
Our vision at Griffith Law School is to serve social justice through having a transformative, equitable and positive impact in our community. During your research project, you will be supported by a community of researchers working on projects with impact, including within the Law Futures Centre.
We have a particular interest and expertise in international law and multidisciplinary research and look forward to welcoming you to our networks.
The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to plan and complete complex research projects related to international law, execute qualitative empirical research, and apply theoretical conceptual frameworks to support your analysis. You will have evidence of a passion for collaborative research, critical analysis, international law, completing timely projects and publications, with a strong desire to undertake research concerning the Asia-Pacific. Relevant language skills will be considered very favourably.
- Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
- Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
Please note:
- Experience includes having completed research projects leading to publication in peer-reviewed journals and/or reports for international agencies, civil society, or the private sector. Samples may be requested.
- Desired skills include language(s) other than English relevant to the Asia-Pacific, especially Southeast Asian languages.
- Expertise in international criminal law, human rights and/or international humanitarian law.
International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
- A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
- A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
For project related enquiries please contact:
Dr Emma Palmer
Email: emma.palmer@griffith.edu.au
For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to emma.palmer@griffith.edu.au containing:
- Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
- Research proposal targeted toward the project focus (see “Draft your proposal” here for guidance)
- Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a copy of your academic transcript
- A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
- Names of two referees
The closing date for expressions of interest is: 5pm Friday 28 February 2025
The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line
Get in touch
If you have a question, need some help with your scholarship application, or would like to make a donation, feel free to contact us.